SPH is your BFF, DPH campaign to prevent skin cancer

The Delaware Division of Public Health recently announced its skin cancer prevention campaign and resources, Sunscreen is your BFF (SPF is your BFF).

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By Staff Reports

Dover Post

By Staff Reports

Posted Jul. 19, 2013 at 4:03 PM
Updated Jul 19, 2013 at 4:18 PM

By Staff Reports

Posted Jul. 19, 2013 at 4:03 PM
Updated Jul 19, 2013 at 4:18 PM

Dover, Del.

The Delaware Division of Public Health recently announced its skin cancer prevention campaign and resources, Sunscreen is your BFF (SPF is your BFF).

Long-term sun exposure, sunbathing, having sunburns, or using tanning beds increases the chance of developing skin cancer. Protection from damaging and dangerous ultraviolet (UV) radiation is important year round.

DPH's Comprehensive Cancer Program is distributing sunscreen, educational materials, and UV light sensitive frisbees at the following events:

1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 1, An Afternoon in the Park for women and young children; Brecknock Park, 80 Old Camden Road, Camden.

To prevent skin cancer, DPH recommends the following measures:

- Stay indoors or seek shade when the ultraviolet (UV) rays are most dangerous, between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

- Regularly use a water-resistant sunscreen with UVA and UVB and a broad spectrum SPF of 15 or higher. Apply sunscreen liberally and reapply it every two hours, or more if swimming or perspiring. Wear sunscreen and cosmetics with a high SPF year-round.

- Wear wide-brimmed hats to cover the head, face, neck and ears; and sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun's UVA and UVB rays. Also wear protective clothing such as long-sleeve shirts and pants.

- Diligently protect children from the sun. Encourage them to play in shaded areas, and apply sunscreen regularly. Don't let them get sunburned.

- Avoid tanning beds, which have been linked to the deadliest form of skin cancer called melanoma. Tanning beds produce UV rays just like the sun.